Stuck

Stuck

We were filled with laughter,and we sang for joy.

Psalm 126:2

As I pulled the car key out of the ignition, I realized I was locked out of the house. A thorough search of my purse, pockets, and car yielded nothing. My housemate would not be home for an hour, and I didn’t want to drive all the way to a friend’s house to get the spare key.

I’ll try the doggy door, I thought. Maybe I can reach the locks and open the back door to get in.

With determination born out of desperation, I went to the back door and surveyed my options. I sat down on the top step and maneuvered my head and left arm through. Great, I could reach only the bottom lock. Then I wiggled until I got my right arm and upper torso inside the door.

My face being a foot off the ground delighted my dog. She licked my nose, whined, wriggled, and licked some more. When she finally calmed down, I was able to look and see that there was no way I could reach the top lock. I decided to slide the rest of the way in. Nope. Okay, slide back out. Nope.

I was stuck in the doggy door! I did not have my phone, but whom would I have called in that particular situation anyway? I lay there for a few minutes, half in, half out, and decided to force my way back out. I wriggled and scooted until I was free.

My dignity dented, I knew God was laughing with me. Then I patiently waited for my housemate to get home with the key.

—Stevie Stevens

Father, thank you for the ability to laugh at myself even in the midst of an awkward moment. Laughter truly is a most amazing gift. How would we survive this life without the joy and laughter you give to us? We love you, Father. Amen.